I picked up my first baitcaster in the spring. I bought the shimano caenan 100. I has been a great reel. But I want to upgrade for next year any suggestion I want to stay under 200 thank you everyone.

If you like the Caenan, move up to the Curado G or the Chronarch E. 

I like it I just don't like the plastic breaking tab. They come off to easy afraid I'm going to lose one

I like it I just don't like the plastic breaking tab. They come off to easy afraid I'm going to lose one

They usually come with several extra in the box..  They are cheap to buy and should be replaced periodically.  Most anglers only use two or three on for most of their fishing, you can take the rest of them off and put them up for use later if you want.   Shimano has one of the very best centrifugal braking systems available.

If you like the Caenan, move up to the Curado G or the Chronarch E. 

 

That was easy!

Don't listen to the guy above me. He will recommend a Shimano Core and then next thing you know your broke and buying a second core before the first arrives lol

I would suggest jumping to the Chronarch E. I have both E and the Curado G's and while I use my G every outing, I prefer my Chronarchs.

Also if you loose a breaking tab, make a post in the Flea Market that your looking for one. Most guys have 20 or so extra floating around and will drop you one in the mail.

I like it I just don't like the plastic breaking tab. They come off to easy afraid I'm going to lose one

 

My man, my 200B Curados are from the early 90´s, in all these years I´ve moved the plastic braking tabs in them ( an in all my other Shimanos for that matter ) maybe once or twice a year, hard to loose one because once you find your settings you hardly need to change it in like ... never !

My man, my 200B Curados are from the early 90´s, in all these years I´ve moved the plastic braking tabs in them ( an in all my other Shimanos for that matter ) maybe once or twice a year, hard to loose one because once you find your settings you hardly need to change it in like ... never !

 

One and done.

 

However, if you are just learning to use a baitcaster, start with all six brakes on and spool tension

tight enough to just let the lure fall slowly. It won't be long until you move to four brakes and looser

tension. My typical set-up is two on and spool tension just tight enough to keep the spool from wiggling.

It should be more of a set-it-and-forget feature, usually 2 or 3 brakes are applied and left that way, only other reason to open the side plate is for lube.

Yep, 2 brakes on and the spool tension loose enough that there is the slightest side to side wiggle in the spool is the sweet spot with my Shimanos.  I move it to 3 brakes in certain circumstances.

Can I suggest a Daiwa Z200, PX68 Type R, Steez?  Just kidding.  Thought I'd be the one to throw in models costing more than twice your budget. 

 

Nothing wrong with the Shimanos mentioned.  Lews, Daiwa, Abu and Pflueger all make good reels within your budget.  $200 gives you lots of choices....especially if you don't mind buying used or older models.

Thanks everyone for the advice

$200 gives you lots of choices....especially if you don't mind buying used or older models.

This. There are some phenomenal reels available in very good used condition for your budget number. I'd especially be looking at Daiwa, their Magforce breaking systems are very nice